Cedwyn Scott hailed as 'a beacon for other men' after mental health bravery
Former Newcastle United trialist Cedwyn Scott has been praised for his bravery in speaking about his mental health-related leave of absence. The ex-Gateshead striker has been granted time away from current club Notts County in order to receive help for his mental health, after struggling for the past year.
In an interview with BBC Radio Nottingham, workplace mental health training expert Red Umbrella has praised Scott for speaking about his issues. The Magpies have offered their full backing to the 25-year-old and have supported him in accessing therapy, with manager Stuart Maynard insisting there is no pressure or timescale on his player returning to the fold.
Scott’s decision to speak out about the difficulties he has faced has been praised by Nathan Shearman, director of therapy and training at Red Umbrella, who feels his actions can empower others who are struggling themselves.
He told BBC Radio Nottingham’s In The Game programme: “As someone in the public eye, it's huge that Cedwyn has come out and spoken about this, particularly as a male. We don’t see men talking about mental health as much as we should. Most are raised to get on with it and keep calm and carry on.
“Having someone come forward and say ‘this is my passion but I’m choosing to prioritise my mental health and wellbeing over it’ is hopefully a beacon for other men to take similar steps if they are in a similar situation. I think sometimes we can look at footballers and other sportspeople and think they’re living the dream, they’re doing the thing they love to do and that others would love to do as a profession.
“It’s easy to think they have everything they need so mental health shouldn’t be an issue. In reality, mental health affects everyone regardless of profession, financial status or social status. It’s a timely reminder that they are human and, just like anyone else, will have times where they struggle with their mental health and need that bit of support.”
The response from Notts County has also been impressive according to Shearman, who continued: “Notts County deserve a lot of credit for the way they’ve come out and supported Cedwyn. It’s easy for people to talk the talk and say they value mental health but, when it comes down to taking action and putting an employee’s wellbeing first, having that conviction is something they deserve a lot of praise for.
“Obviously they’re going to want Cedwyn out on the pitch helping the team, but they’ve taken that step to say they value their player and want to make sure he is mentally and physically well. To do so and support an employee even if that means they need to take time out is not something we see often. A lot of praise has to go to Notts County for their response.
“More than anything, mental health needs a light shining on it and open, honest, candid conversations. It’s a hugely brave thing for anyone to take time out for their mental health, particularly in the public eye.
“As a footballer, it’s incredibly brave to come out and talk about it so openly. You can imagine fans now looking around the ground knowing one in four people are going to experience poor mental health during the next 12 months.
“Knowing someone that represents those players, the club and the city has spoken openly about it will encourage others to have their own conversations. We’re seeing a huge improvement in employers recognising that looking after their employees’ mental health is important and they’re putting measures in place.
“There’s always room for improvement and maybe this will be a wake-up call for some employers. It might cause them to consider if they’re valuing mental health as much as Notts County and taking the right measures.”
To find out more about Red Umbrella and its mental health training and support solutions for the workplace, visit red-umbrella.co.uk